Police stop 150 vehicles in one day in west Cornwall

Published by Sarah Yeoman at 8:20am 26th March 2020. (Updated at 9:42am 26th March 2020)

Police have stopped over 150 vehicles in west Cornwall is just one day, to check they were making essential journeys.

Officers have been given new powers to make sure people are following the government rules surrounding the coronavirus lockdown.

On Wednesday police pulled over 150 drivers in the Penzance, Hayle and St Ives areas to check why there were out and about on the roads.

People in the Duchy are being reminded that driving to a different location to exercise is NOT an essential journey.

Officials say it is all part of trying to keep people safe amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

"Essential journey? Driving to exercise at another location is NOT an essential journey!

"Yesterday we stopped and checked over 150 vehicles in the Penzance, Hayle and St Ives area.

"Drivers were asked if their journey was essential.

"We will continue to carry out these checks because, like you, we want to keep Cornwall safe.

"Please share and let’s keep travel to an absolute minimum."

Penzance Police

Meantime Liskeard Police are also urging residents to know that they should only see people from their own household.

This applies when walking to the shops or carrying out your daily exercise too.

People should not meet up with family members, friends or neighbours who they do not live with.

Officers say it is all part of trying to keep the community safe and so the country can recover from the pandemic.

"Firstly we would like to thank those of you that are staying home and keeping to essential travel only.

"We would just like to remind some of you what social distancing means.

"If you are on your permitted daily exercise or walking to a shop for essential supplies like food and medicine, please only be with the people from YOUR household, not family members from another property or your neighbours and friends.

"We do understand its difficult but if we all do our bit together we can help our community and our country recover and rebuild, please stay safe."